In this article, we take a look at the 5 Countries with the Highest Homeless Population. If you would like to read our detailed analysis of homelessness across the globe and the real estate industry alongside the complete list, go to 20 Countries with the Highest Homeless Population.
5. DR Congo
Homeless Population in 2024: 5,332,000
DR Congo is also facing a homelessness crisis, with over 5.3 million people currently displaced. The main reasons for homelessness in DR Congo are natural disasters, lack of resources, and ethnic conflicts between military groups. A large chunk of the homeless population in DR Congo comprises refugees. Organizations like UNICEF, USAID, and Amnesty International assist and provide aid to homeless people in the country.
4. Syria
Homeless Population in 2024: 6,568,000
Syria, a country facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, has a homeless population of over 6.5 million people. The primary reason for the homelessness crisis in Syria is political conflict and an unstable economy. There is also a high rate of poverty and unemployment in the country, and 90% of the population lives in poverty and relies on humanitarian aid for survival. Non-profit organizations like Action for Humanity are working to provide aid to the vulnerable people in the country, including the displaced and homeless. Action for Humanity has built a town for displaced Syrians, which houses around 500 families.
3. Egypt
Homeless Population in 2024: 12,000,000
Egypt has 12 million homeless people, primarily due to urban disasters that have left people displaced. Most of the homeless people in Egypt live in self-built shacks, while others reside on the street. NGOs like Hope Village Society and Plan International Egypt work to support homeless children. The Ministry of Health and Population is also looking into the homelessness crisis in Egypt to provide asylum and treatment to people experiencing homelessness.
2. Pakistan
Homeless Population in 2024: 20,000,000
Pakistan has 20 million homeless people living there, which includes kids and older people. The number of homeless people in Pakistan is rising due to inflation, displacement, and poverty. The yearly catastrophic floods in the country contribute further to the crisis, destroying infrastructure and leaving thousands homeless. About 40% of Pakistan’s population does not have a house to live in, and most of them find refuge in slums. While the Pakistani government has launched a shelter initiative, the project has been halted since the pandemic.
1. Nigeria
Homeless Population in 2024: 24,400,000
Topping the list is Nigeria, a country with the worst homelessness epidemic, with 24 million people currently homeless. The country has a poverty rate of 63%, and the cost of living continues to increase. Homeownership rates in Nigeria decreased by 5% in 2023. Organizations like the Sheltered Hope Initiative focus on reducing homelessness in Nigeria.
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